Golfers play in aid of Sarawakian toddler Maxy Perez’s liver transplant

KUCHING (March 17): Kelab Kaban Golf Samarahan (Kaban) held a charity golf tournament at Samarahan Country Golf Club on Saturday to raise RM4,530 for the liver transplant fund of Sarawakian toddler Maxy Perez.

Kaban chairman Peter Umak told The Borneo Post that Maxy urgently need a liver transplant in Shanghai, China.

The event brought together about 120 golfers and supporters. Participants and guests donated generously during the event with the proceeds handed over to Maxy’s family to help defray the cost of the life-saving treatment.

The event patron Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom, who is advisor in the Sarawak Premier’s Office (Food Security, Commodity and Regional Development) and Pakan assemblyman, was present to hand over the donation to Maxy’s mother Stephanie Munira Sulan Muking.

Among those present were Serembu assemblyman Datuk Miro Simuh who is also Samarahan Country Club deputy president, Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian, Tebudu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang, Konsortium Bumi Group managing director Datuk Janang Bunsu, who is also a Kaban advisor and Salcrsa general manager Datu Joseph Blandoi who is also Kaban advisor.

Launched in March 2025, Kaban aims to strengthen friendship and racial harmony among Sarawak’s diverse communities through golf and other social activities while also extending assistance to individuals and families in need.

Maxy, born in Kuching, has been diagnosed with biliary atresia, a rare and serious condition that damages the bile ducts and gradually causes liver failure in infants.

His parents had initially hoped that the Kasai procedure, a complex surgery performed earlier, would help restore bile flow and stabilise his condition.

However, the relief proved short-lived as his health began to deteriorate again in the weeks that followed. Subsequent tests confirmed that Maxy’s condition had reached a critical stage.

Medical specialists have since concluded that a liver transplant is now his only chance of survival.

Maxy’s mother Stephanie has been confirmed as a compatible donor and is prepared to donate part of her liver for the transplant procedure which has already received ethical approval from the medical team in Shanghai.

Peter, on behalf of the organising committee, expressed appreciation to all sponsors, golfers and supporters for their generosity and participation, noting that the strong response reflected the community’s willingness to come together in support of those facing medical hardship.

The Borneo Post first highlighted Maxy’s plight on March 1.